SPECIAL STUDY
Adopted: September 9, 1981
FATALITIES AND INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH
RIDING IN CARGO AREAS OF PICKUP TRUCKS 
NTSB Number: HSS-81/02
NTIS Number: PB82-115593
SYNOPSIS
An average of 242 persons were killed each year from 1975 through 1979 in accidents while riding in the cargo areas of pickup trucks, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHSTA) Fatal Accident Reporting Systems. In addition, an average of 167 persons suffered incapacitating injuries and 142 persons received non-incapacitating injuries each year.

In 1979, the Safety Board investigated an accident involving a compact pickup truck in which the driver and three persons were riding in the cab and eight persons were in the open cargo area of the truck. The driver failed to negotiate a curve and the truck ran off the road and overturned. Seven persons in the cargo area were killed.

As a result of its investigation of this accident, the Safety Board recommended that the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) establish model guidelines for prohibiting passengers from riding in open cargo areas of most vehicles. The NCUTLO had considered model guidelines on a broader scale in 1975, but because of several complications, th eproposal was rejected. The NCUTLO has not yet acted to implement the Safety Board’s recommendation because of a lack of funds.

This study was made to demonstrate further need for model guidelines prohibiting passengers from riding in the cargo area of a vehicle, and to make available information about the dangers to passengers riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle. This study analyzes 1975 through 1979 FARS data, additional Safety Board accident investigations, one investigation by a State agency, and other accidents.

RECOMMENDATIONS

As a result of this special study, the National Transportation Safety Board reiterated its recommendation that the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances:

Establish model guidelines for prohibiting passengers from riding in open cargo areas of vehicles that are not being used for work-related purposes. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-79-40)

and further recommended that the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances:

Revise Section 10-2 of the Model Traffic Ordinance and add a section to the Uniform Vehicle Code which effects the provisions of the model guidelines developed or Safety Recommendation H-79-40. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-60)

The Safety Board recommended:

-- to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

In cooperation with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, support the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances in the development of model guidelines for legislation prohibiting passengers from riding in open cargo areas of vehicles that are not being used for work-relate purposes. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-61)

--the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

In cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, support the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances in the development of model guidelines for legislation prohibiting passengers from riding in open cargo areas of vehicles that are not being used for work-relate purposes. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-62)

--the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association

In cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, support the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances in the development of model guidelines for legislation prohibiting passengers from riding in open cargo areas of vehicles that are not being used for work-relate purposes. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-62)

-- to the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association and the Automobile Importers of America, Inc.:

Encourage their members to provide an effective reminder to passengers not to ride in the open cargo area of a vehicle. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-64)

Encourage their members to include information in the vehicle owner’s manual concerning the hazards of riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-65)

-- to the National Safety Council

Disseminate information to the public concerning the hazards of riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-66)

Disseminate information to high school driver education officials concerning the hazards of riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-67)

-- to the Governors of the 50 States

Review existing laws and revise as necessary to prohibit passengers from riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle, except during work-related activities. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-68)

If no such law exists, enact legislation to prohibit passengers from riding in the open cargo area of a vehicle, except during work-related activities. (Class II, Priority Action)(H-81-69)